Government edicts relating to renewable fuel has some retailers concerned that pure gasoline will soon be unavailable, the Tulsa World reports. More drivers are seeking out gasoline without ethanol because of concerns about the biofuel. With the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) giving final approval of E15 for vehicles manufactured since 2001, some retailers see that as…
DetailsEven as the economy improves, 94% of Americans indicate they will remain cautious and keep their spending for food, beverage, and household goods at current levels, according to Deloitte’s 2013 American Pantry Study. More than nine in 10 (92%) consumers surveyed indicate they have become more resourceful, and 86% say they are getting more precise…
DetailsThanks to the more than 1.4 billion active users on sites like Facebook and Twitter, social media has become one of the hottest ways to connect with consumers. While compiling its list of the 25 biggest c-store chains, CSP found that the most successful retailers referenced the growing importance of social media. And the numbers…
DetailsA decline in gas prices over the past month has led to a decline in overall consumer pessimism about the economy, according to results from the monthly NACS Consumer Fuels Survey. Though 54% of U.S. consumers surveyed in April say they remain pessimistic about the economy, it is the lowest percentage of consumer pessimism recorded…
DetailsPhilip Morris USA is testing a new version of its Marlboro Leadership Price (MLP) program in two states—Michigan and South Carolina—according to a Wells Fargo Securities research report. “The terms of the new MLP II program are effectively a price increase for PM USA since it requires retailers to raise their retail price points by…
DetailsSales of natural and organic food in mainstream supermarkets have doubled in recent years, the Indianapolis Star reports. Supermarkets are stocking their shelves with pure food offerings and even launching their own brands, as sales in this grocery segment are outpacing traditional grocery item sales. Nationwide, natural and organic food sales increased 8% in 2010,…
DetailsThe competitive environment is one more reason for convenience store retailers to worry about tobacco sales trends, according to a recent survey of c-store retailers and wholesalers. “Our survey respondents indicated the competitive environment was slightly more intense vs. last quarter,” wrote Bonnie Herzog, senior analyst for Wells Fargo Securities in the Q1 2013 U.S.…
DetailsPrice increase: something few retailers want to hear when it comes to cigarettes, especially with Obama proposing a 94-cents-per-pack increase to the Federal Excise Tax (FET) in his most recent budget. Bonnie Herzog sees modest price increases differently. “Pricing power has been critical and key to this industry,” she said during her Tobacco Trends &…
Details7-Eleven plans to revive development in Michigan next year, reports the Detroit News. The convenience store chain plans to open 20 stores in the Metro Detroit area in 2013, including six in Detroit itself. The company wants to locate several stores in those areas for customers looking for speed and convenience, said Michael Anderer, a…
DetailsHalf of U.S. adults consider gasoline prices to be “too high” when it reaches $3.44 per gallon, indicating a potential break-point on prices, according to a new consumer price index developed by AAA. “It was not long ago that motorists were shocked to pay more than $3 per gallon for gasoline, but now that is…
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